Burn of third degree of right shoulder, subsequent encounter

This code signifies a full-thickness burn affecting the right shoulder, indicating damage to all layers of the skin and potentially underlying tissue. The "subsequent encounter" designation means the patient is receiving follow-up care for this previously diagnosed burn, such as wound care, debridement, or skin grafting.

This code is appropriate for encounters where a patient is returning for ongoing management of a third-degree burn on their right shoulder after the initial treatment. This includes visits for dressing changes, monitoring for infection, physical therapy, or surgical interventions like skin grafts performed after the initial hospitalization.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the right shoulder as the affected site.
• Verify the encounter type is indeed subsequent, not initial or sequela.
• Always code the extent of the burn (e.g., percentage of body surface area) with an additional code if documented.